MONROVIA–The Republic of Liberia and the State of Maryland have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing Maryland’s first-ever national-level partnership with an African country and opening a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between the two jurisdictions.
The agreement was signed on June 24, 2026, at the Governor’s Reception Room in Annapolis by Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., and Maryland Governor Wes Moore on behalf of the State of Maryland.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Maryland Secretary of State Susan C. Lee and Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, along with government officials, members of Governor Moore’s cabinet, former Maryland state officials, and representatives of the Liberian community in the United States.
According to officials, the landmark agreement marks the first time Maryland has entered into a formal partnership with an African nation at the national level. While the state has maintained relationships with subnational entities in the past, the Liberia agreement represents Maryland’s first state-to-nation partnership on the African continent.
The Memorandum of Understanding builds on the Sister-State relationship established in 2007 between Maryland and Liberia’s Bong and Maryland Counties, expanding cooperation into a broader framework focused on economic growth, investment, education, technology, and cultural exchange.
Under the agreement, Liberia and Maryland will collaborate in several key sectors, including trade and investment, agriculture, renewable energy, transportation, technology and innovation, life sciences, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, climate resilience, tourism, and workforce development.
Officials noted that the partnership aligns closely with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly the pillars of Economic Transformation, Infrastructure Development, and Human Capital Development.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Minister Nyanti described the agreement as a significant milestone that reflects both the historic bonds and future aspirations shared by Liberia and Maryland.
“This Memorandum of Understanding represents more than a formal agreement; it is a reaffirmation of our shared history and a bold commitment to our shared future,” Nyanti said. She added that the partnership would create meaningful opportunities for investment, innovation, education, cultural exchange, and sustainable development that benefit citizens of both Liberia and Maryland.
The agreement is rooted in nearly two centuries of historical and cultural ties between Liberia and Maryland. The state played a notable role in Liberia’s early history dating back to the 1830s, while Liberia’s second President, Stephen Allen Benson, was born in Cambridge, Maryland.
Governor Wes Moore welcomed the partnership as an opportunity to strengthen economic, educational, and cultural connections between Maryland and Liberia while promoting innovation and shared prosperity.
Officials from both sides emphasized that the agreement reflects a common vision of expanding mutually beneficial partnerships that create opportunities for businesses, students, entrepreneurs, researchers, and communities across both regions.
To ensure implementation of the agreement, the MoU establishes a Liberia-Maryland Working Group tasked with identifying priority projects, coordinating exchanges between institutions and businesses, and monitoring progress toward agreed objectives.
The Embassy of Liberia in Washington, D.C., will serve as the coordinating body responsible for overseeing implementation and facilitating cooperation between the two parties.
Minister Nyanti was accompanied by Assistant Minister for American Affairs Christiana Konneh, Minister Counselor for Political and Diaspora Affairs Charles H.V. Allen, Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs Al-Jerome Anastas Chede Sr., and Communications Officer Stephenie Wesseh.
Observers described the agreement as a landmark achievement in Liberia’s diplomatic engagement with the United States and a significant step toward expanding international partnerships that support economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
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